Publications and useful links
Our key publications
As part of our commitment to facilitating Net Zero, UK Power Networks launched the country’s first ever independent Distribution System Operator, to keep pace with this change. A new era for electricity networks is here, with electricity demand forecast to double by 2050 and a commitment to decarbonise by 2035.
We have a lot of work ahead and we will continue challenging ourselves to deliver more and faster progress on solutions that support customers and enable Net Zero.
Here you will find our key publications which set out the plans and agreements which will deliver this change.
Smart Optimisation Output (SOO)
As part of Ofgem’s initiative for RIIO-ED2, we have developed the UK Power Networks 2024 Smart Optimisation Output (SOO) Collaboration Plan report. The SOO is designed to promote and enable effective collaboration between UK Power Networks and our local stakeholders and communities, leading to better network planning and more coherent local and regional planning for Net Zero.
There are two main outputs in the SOO:
- The Collaboration Plan report details how we will ensure effective, transparent, user-centric, cross-sector collaboration to share data and support local and regional net zero strategies
- The System Visualisation Interface (SVI) provides access to a package of forward-looking, open and accessible, digital network tools housed within our Open Data Portal
Stakeholder engagement is key in both outputs, as is demonstrated throughout the Collaboration Plan report and evidenced in the annexes.
Curtailment Assessment Methodology and Assumptions
Since the start of our Flexible Connection offering in 2019, we have been issuing curtailment assessment reports at the connection offer stage to provide a view on the expected level of curtailment a site might be subject to whilst in operation.
We have now updated the tool used to produce curtailment estimates to facilitate an open and transparent approach to providing curtailment information. This document details the methodology and summarises the assumptions taken as part of the curtailment assessment studies.
Distribution Future Energy Scenarios
The Distribution Future Energy Scenarios comprises an interactive summary, a technical report, and interactive maps that create a picture of how the energy system might look by 2050. The analysis models different ‘drivers’ of change; like the uptake of electric cars, low carbon heating, renewable energy or changing consumer behaviours to create four ‘scenario worlds’.
We publish this as an interactive summary and share it with local councils, regional planning authorities, businesses, or charities to help them build their own climate action plans. We also publish the raw data so users can create their own analysis.
Other useful links
Open Data Portal
Our Open Data Portal is one of the UK’s most extensive sets of information about our electricity network. The online portal brings together thousands of datasets from a vast range of sources to provide visibility of our network assets, where they are, what capacity they have and how they are being used.
Discover Open Data PortalYour Local Net Zero Hub
The DSO’s Local Net Zero team helps local authorities and their stakeholders with a range of bespoke advice, including support for infrastructure planning, help with Local Area Energy Plans, guidance to Net Zero related funding applications and much more.
View Your Local Net Zero Hub
UK Power Networks Innovation
We innovate to make our service more reliable, more affordable, cleaner and safer. Over the last investment period we delivered over £141 million of savings to our customers through innovation and our latest investment plan is even more ambitious.
View Innovation Hub
ENA / Open Networks
We are part of the Energy Networks Association, a not-for-profit industry body representing the companies which operate the electricity wires, gas pipes and energy system in the UK and Ireland.
Visit Open Networks
Could you be a flexibility provider?
The DSO is looking to recruit flexible providers who have solutions ready to connect to the grid and able to either meet or reduce demand on the network. Find out more and apply in our Tender Hub.
View Tender Hub
Your chance to learn more
Our team holds numerous events from breakfast briefings to conferences – your opportunity to make your voice heard and learn more about our service.
View upcoming events
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